Shrimp, Spot – British Columbia, Canada

The Spot Shrimp (or Spot Prawn) is a large shrimp, reaching over 23 cm (9 in.) in total length, found throughout the North Pacific Ocean. Spot Shrimp have a short life span, beginning life as males and transitioning to females at age 3 or 4.

The British Columbia Spot Shrimp commercial fishery is the largest on the North American coast. Fishing occurs with traps, with many attached to a main line. This fishing method results in moderate habitat damage and some bycatch.

In British Columbia, total abundance of the Spot Shrimp is not known, but populations are closely monitored to ensure that enough females survive to reproduce. Management has been successful at meeting conservation goals.